Anonymous
Post 08/28/2014 01:23     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
Anonymous wrote:Actually our allergist said that epi pens are harmless and if you even suspect an allergic rxn you should use it.


Our DCs allergist said something similar but that it only applied to kids because the odds of them getting a heart attack triggered are slim. But don't give random adult men epinephrine without good cause.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 22:24     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
My son broke out in hives repeatedly over a period of about 2 weeks whenever he ate chocolate. The doctor said just to keep an eye on it, and didn't do any further testing. She told us chocolate allergies are rare, so we could try giving it to him with Benadryl on hand, to see if he still reacts (could have been a coincidence, or maybe there's something else he was eating that I wasn't catching I guess). Anyway, when he's been at his aunt's house or his part time daycare, we've directed them to NOT allow ANY chocolate. But at our house, we've let him have a bit of a chocolate chip cookie. My dh has given him m&ms here and there. No reaction. It's looking like maybe he's not allergic, but I'm still nervous about it, and I don't want him having any chocolate when I'm not around. So, I guess this could easily be my kid.

OP, maybe the mom is in a similar situation. She doesn't know you very well, so probably hasn't given you all the details. Let her know about the peanut butter even though you failed to do it initially! It's the only decent thing for you to do.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 21:50     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
Actually our allergist said that epi pens are harmless and if you even suspect an allergic rxn you should use it.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 21:19     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It's not that hard to get an epi pen. I have severe allergic reactions that I have been able to halt with a double dose of benedryl thus far, and we have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause. The doctor has never seen the reaction, I didn't test high enough that I should be anaphylactic to anything, but I was given an epi pen rx, "just in case."


what are your symptoms?


in this order...
My ears clog completely
My tongue gets itchy/tingly
My throat starts itching
My sinuses fill suddenly
I start wheezing and coughing

It hasn't gotten past that point. I take benedryl as soon as my ears clog and it usually starts slowing down before the wheezing and coughing.




Benadryl can reduce these symptoms yes, but it cannot stop anaphylaxis.

An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), isn't sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in a severe reaction.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-anaphylaxis/basics/art-20056608


That's actually not true. I have an allergy to nuts but am very diligent about it so haven't had a reaction in a long time. I recently ate something new and started to feel symptoms differently than I had with other reactions. I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest and had no idea why. No congestion, no itchiness, no hives like I usually get. Just a horrible indigestion feeling and finding it hard to breathe. I thought I may be having a heart attack, actually. Finally after about a minute (which felt like 10) I remembered I had eaten something new and took a double dose of Benadryl right away. I had my epi pen in one hand and my finger on the "9" button on the phone, and I started to feel some relief. Then more relief. After I was sure that my breathing was getting easier I put away the epipen. Not all anaphylactic reactions look or feel the same. More importantly, your symptoms can be different with different exposures.

But, Benadryl can stop some anaphylactic reactions if given right when you recognize the symptoms. I speak from experience.


NP here. It was my understanding that some anaphylactic reactions can stop progressing on their own and that Benadryl has nothing to do with it; Benadryl can mask the symptoms of anaphylaxis, which is why in the light of the Natalie Giorgi tragedy, people made now told to give the epi upon known ingestion and not wait until they see signs of ana.


19:57 again. Which is one reason this is so strange. If the op had given the epi and there was no allergic reaction she could have killed the boy. Epinephrine is a very serious drug.


+1
This is why I am petrified of the new policies where public schools keep epi pens on hand to use on any child they decide needs it. Public schools do not have nurses, just clinic aides that have attended a seminar. A child with an undiagnosed heart condition could easily be killed by an epi pen.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 21:16     Subject: Re:phantom allergy: what to say
Anonymous wrote:OP here. To address some of the questions...I don't know how the mom had the epi-pen if the kid is not allergic because I am fortunate enough not to have to deal with allergies in my house (we have plenty of other challenges) so I just don't know the ins-and-outs and was going on what I was told. This is a relatively new friendship for my child and for me as we are new to the area. As for the PB, I put it on the top shelf in the pantry to make sure make sure my other kids didn't get at it while he was here (that was my big worry because they like to dip carrots in it). My understanding was (from the mom) that the kid had a clear idea of what he could and could not have. My 9 year old often forages through the pantry getting snacks and I don't have a problem with that. However we have had a discussion about him letting his friend eat a banned product without telling me instantly as I had explained that his friend should not eat nuts. But that's another issue.

Not to sound defensive but I note that in response to the pp who said I should have better supervision...you may be right but I rarely still track my 9 year old around. The reason why I didn't say anything to the mom (and for the record but DH said I should have immediately done so) was that I got a strong feeling from the kid that he DID know what he could eat and was fine with nuts but his mom wasn't. I felt really sad for him when he sort of intimated that it was a parental issue (mom) and emphasized that he was allowed nuts when with his dad and never got sick. Having read some of the posts I don't think I did the right thing. I followed my heart in this instance instead of my head as the kid seemed sad and nervous when trying to persuade me not to call his mom. Otherwise he was in excellent form. Problem is that having said nothing at the time, I certainly cannot say anything now. Interestingly we're due to meet the dad at a game soon. Obviously I have NO intention of saying anything to him but I'll be intrigued to see if he says anything to me. And in this instance I stand corrected. DH wins. I should have called mom.


What a horrid father to give his kid nuts behind the mother's back.

I don't understand why anyone would think this mother is a loon for this situation. I would assume there is a lot we don't know -- like maybe the mom has experienced her kid going through anaphylaxis in the past and has no desire to "test" peanuts. I can certainly understand that.

Again, what a HORRID father for giving his kid nuts during his time with his child, behind the mother's back. Gross behavior, not only for doing it behind her back but for obviously teaching his own kid to lie to his mother. Really foul behavior.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 21:11     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It's not that hard to get an epi pen. I have severe allergic reactions that I have been able to halt with a double dose of benedryl thus far, and we have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause. The doctor has never seen the reaction, I didn't test high enough that I should be anaphylactic to anything, but I was given an epi pen rx, "just in case."


what are your symptoms?


in this order...
My ears clog completely
My tongue gets itchy/tingly
My throat starts itching
My sinuses fill suddenly
I start wheezing and coughing

It hasn't gotten past that point. I take benedryl as soon as my ears clog and it usually starts slowing down before the wheezing and coughing.




Benadryl can reduce these symptoms yes, but it cannot stop anaphylaxis.

An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), isn't sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in a severe reaction.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-anaphylaxis/basics/art-20056608


That's actually not true. I have an allergy to nuts but am very diligent about it so haven't had a reaction in a long time. I recently ate something new and started to feel symptoms differently than I had with other reactions. I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest and had no idea why. No congestion, no itchiness, no hives like I usually get. Just a horrible indigestion feeling and finding it hard to breathe. I thought I may be having a heart attack, actually. Finally after about a minute (which felt like 10) I remembered I had eaten something new and took a double dose of Benadryl right away. I had my epi pen in one hand and my finger on the "9" button on the phone, and I started to feel some relief. Then more relief. After I was sure that my breathing was getting easier I put away the epipen. Not all anaphylactic reactions look or feel the same. More importantly, your symptoms can be different with different exposures.

But, Benadryl can stop some anaphylactic reactions if given right when you recognize the symptoms. I speak from experience.


Do you think this can damage the heart, like a heart attack?
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 20:58     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It's not that hard to get an epi pen. I have severe allergic reactions that I have been able to halt with a double dose of benedryl thus far, and we have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause. The doctor has never seen the reaction, I didn't test high enough that I should be anaphylactic to anything, but I was given an epi pen rx, "just in case."


what are your symptoms?


in this order...
My ears clog completely
My tongue gets itchy/tingly
My throat starts itching
My sinuses fill suddenly
I start wheezing and coughing

It hasn't gotten past that point. I take benedryl as soon as my ears clog and it usually starts slowing down before the wheezing and coughing.




Benadryl can reduce these symptoms yes, but it cannot stop anaphylaxis.

An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), isn't sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in a severe reaction.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-anaphylaxis/basics/art-20056608


That's actually not true. I have an allergy to nuts but am very diligent about it so haven't had a reaction in a long time. I recently ate something new and started to feel symptoms differently than I had with other reactions. I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest and had no idea why. No congestion, no itchiness, no hives like I usually get. Just a horrible indigestion feeling and finding it hard to breathe. I thought I may be having a heart attack, actually. Finally after about a minute (which felt like 10) I remembered I had eaten something new and took a double dose of Benadryl right away. I had my epi pen in one hand and my finger on the "9" button on the phone, and I started to feel some relief. Then more relief. After I was sure that my breathing was getting easier I put away the epipen. Not all anaphylactic reactions look or feel the same. More importantly, your symptoms can be different with different exposures.

But, Benadryl can stop some anaphylactic reactions if given right when you recognize the symptoms. I speak from experience.


NP here. It was my understanding that some anaphylactic reactions can stop progressing on their own and that Benadryl has nothing to do with it; Benadryl can mask the symptoms of anaphylaxis, which is why in the light of the Natalie Giorgi tragedy, people made now told to give the epi upon known ingestion and not wait until they see signs of ana.


19:57 again. Which is one reason this is so strange. If the op had given the epi and there was no allergic reaction she could have killed the boy. Epinephrine is a very serious drug.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 20:36     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It's not that hard to get an epi pen. I have severe allergic reactions that I have been able to halt with a double dose of benedryl thus far, and we have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause. The doctor has never seen the reaction, I didn't test high enough that I should be anaphylactic to anything, but I was given an epi pen rx, "just in case."


what are your symptoms?


in this order...
My ears clog completely
My tongue gets itchy/tingly
My throat starts itching
My sinuses fill suddenly
I start wheezing and coughing

It hasn't gotten past that point. I take benedryl as soon as my ears clog and it usually starts slowing down before the wheezing and coughing.




Benadryl can reduce these symptoms yes, but it cannot stop anaphylaxis.

An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), isn't sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in a severe reaction.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-anaphylaxis/basics/art-20056608


That's actually not true. I have an allergy to nuts but am very diligent about it so haven't had a reaction in a long time. I recently ate something new and started to feel symptoms differently than I had with other reactions. I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest and had no idea why. No congestion, no itchiness, no hives like I usually get. Just a horrible indigestion feeling and finding it hard to breathe. I thought I may be having a heart attack, actually. Finally after about a minute (which felt like 10) I remembered I had eaten something new and took a double dose of Benadryl right away. I had my epi pen in one hand and my finger on the "9" button on the phone, and I started to feel some relief. Then more relief. After I was sure that my breathing was getting easier I put away the epipen. Not all anaphylactic reactions look or feel the same. More importantly, your symptoms can be different with different exposures.

But, Benadryl can stop some anaphylactic reactions if given right when you recognize the symptoms. I speak from experience.


NP here. It was my understanding that some anaphylactic reactions can stop progressing on their own and that Benadryl has nothing to do with it; Benadryl can mask the symptoms of anaphylaxis, which is why in the light of the Natalie Giorgi tragedy, people made now told to give the epi upon known ingestion and not wait until they see signs of ana.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 20:30     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It's not that hard to get an epi pen. I have severe allergic reactions that I have been able to halt with a double dose of benedryl thus far, and we have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause. The doctor has never seen the reaction, I didn't test high enough that I should be anaphylactic to anything, but I was given an epi pen rx, "just in case."


what are your symptoms?


in this order...
My ears clog completely
My tongue gets itchy/tingly
My throat starts itching
My sinuses fill suddenly
I start wheezing and coughing

It hasn't gotten past that point. I take benedryl as soon as my ears clog and it usually starts slowing down before the wheezing and coughing.




Benadryl can reduce these symptoms yes, but it cannot stop anaphylaxis.

An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), isn't sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in a severe reaction.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-anaphylaxis/basics/art-20056608


That's actually not true. I have an allergy to nuts but am very diligent about it so haven't had a reaction in a long time. I recently ate something new and started to feel symptoms differently than I had with other reactions. I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest and had no idea why. No congestion, no itchiness, no hives like I usually get. Just a horrible indigestion feeling and finding it hard to breathe. I thought I may be having a heart attack, actually. Finally after about a minute (which felt like 10) I remembered I had eaten something new and took a double dose of Benadryl right away. I had my epi pen in one hand and my finger on the "9" button on the phone, and I started to feel some relief. Then more relief. After I was sure that my breathing was getting easier I put away the epipen. Not all anaphylactic reactions look or feel the same. More importantly, your symptoms can be different with different exposures.

But, Benadryl can stop some anaphylactic reactions if given right when you recognize the symptoms. I speak from experience.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 20:28     Subject: Re:phantom allergy: what to say
When my twins were 11 months old, we tried strawberries. They loved them and one of them who had bad cradle cap and eczema on his legs the eczema would flare extremely red for a day or two after he had strawberries. It took us 3-4 times before we realized the link. At 14 months, we tried them with peanut butter. Within 2 minutes after 1 cracker with about a teaspoon or less of PB, both developed pretty significant bright red hives on their chest, arms and neck and were scratching a lot. We administered benadryl and called our pediatrician's on-call service. After about 5 minutes, the hives had calmed down and there was only a slight pink tinge and they stopped scratching. When the pediatrician called back about 15 minutes later (about 20 minutes after the incident), she said that we did the right thing, to monitor them for 24 hours and come in Monday (it was on a Saturday at lunch) and she would check. She checked them and said they were fine and gave us a scrip for the epi-pen. At 2.5 we finally had an allergy panel and the one tested negative for all but mild environmental allergies (dust, mold, pollen). The one that had eczema tested mild (below the normal level they call allergic, but still a reaction) for PB and negative for all but environmental allergies like the other twin. The pediatrician said that was good but still refilled the epipen scrip just in case. We keep an epipen at school and one in the bag of kid supplies we keep in the car/house but have not had an incident since.

We do tell people that there is a mild allergy to peanut butter, but that the allergy panel was close to negative, so not a serious concern. I can believe that the child may have had a very early reaction to peanut butter but no longer reacts, and the Mom has just not changed her position since he was a toddler.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 20:23     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
Do you know the dad? I'd be worried about Munchausen-by-Proxy, and rarely are they both in on it.

I'd still read your son the riot act.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 20:23     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:A friend of mine grew up being told his was allergic to chocolate and never allowed a bite of it. The dad let slip when he was 17 that he was never allergic, the mom just didn't want chocolate in the house because "she can't control herself around it." After all the years of lying though, the mom had managed to convince even herself that he was allergic according to the doctor and maybe "he'd outgrown it". The dad said they'd never even been to the doctor about it. There are really nutty people out there


My step mother did this with my sister, but about sugar. Because she didn't want her to grow up and be fat.


That's really heartbreaking, PP. Did your sister end up developing any kind of eating disorder as a result of this?


Oddly, no!!! We laugh about it now. But they would have ice cream at her birthday and wouldn't let her have any. It was insane.


Well, at least that particular story has a somewhat happy ending! Your stepmother should thank her lucky stars every night that your sister apparently has no genetic predisposition that puts her at risk for an eating disorder because, if she did, what her mother did to her growing up almost certainly would've triggered it! Eating disorders are such painful, insidious (not to mention potentially fatal) illnesses. I would much rather my DD grow up to be chubby than have her suffer from anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder (not that I think mothers -- or fathers, for that matter-- are typically at fault when their DCs develop eating disorders...but in your stepmother's particular case it would be hard not to place at least some of the blame on her had your sister developed one!)!
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 20:16     Subject: Re:phantom allergy: what to say
Another mom to a nut-allergic kid here. So bizarre. You'd think she'd know if her son had outgrown his allergies. We test yearly in the hopes results are low enough to challenge the allergies (so far, one failed challenge under our belt).

I know some people who test positive but can eat their allergens with no problems. In those cases, I'm not sure if they carry epinephrine.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 20:01     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
OP, I think you should have told the mom. We have food allergies. They are genetic and within the family. We haven't done testing but when my child eats them or someone touches him after touching the food he gets a bad rash. Its easier to just say food allergy and avoid then worry about it and go through testing. I doubt ours will be outgrown but I don't think its life threatening either. I would be concerned about the lack of supervision at home as 9 year olds need some sort of minimal supervision.
Anonymous
Post 08/27/2014 19:47     Subject: phantom allergy: what to say
This post scares the hell out of me as my son is allergic to nuts. I don't know what to think of the situation.